Inmate visitation at the Webster County Jail has been suspended immediately as the jail takes precautions to attempt to cordon the vulnerable population and staff inside from a COVID-19 outbreak.

Currently, in-person visitation is primarily done through video calling, similar to using Skype or Facetime. Sheriff Jim Stubbs said that the jail does not yet offer video calling services for inmates to contact friends or relatives outside the jail.

“The lobby isn’t big, and if you get too many people, it goes against every (health precaution) we’ve been told,” Stubbs said. “We’ll try to work out ways to keep people as happy and content as we can.”

The new jail rules follow recent rules from the Iowa Department of Corrections barring in-person visitation at all state prisons. Attorney visits will still be allowed and visits under emergency situations will be considered.

“The whole situation is fluid, so we’ll have to see what guidelines come out from the state next,” Stubbs said. “We’ll keep everybody as safe as we can, including our jail inmates and staff.”

He said it would “not be a good thing,” if the highly-contagious COVID-19 gained a foothold inside the jail, where inmates and staff live and work in close quarters, telling The Messenger that the best course of action is to “get ahead of the curve” to eliminate as many entry points for infection as possible.

The jail currently has a population of about 40.

Limited LEC access

The Sheriff’s Office has limited access to the Webster County Law Enforcement Center. The public is encouraged to call before stopping in. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 515-573-1410. The Fort Dodge Police Department can be reached at 515-573-2323.

Limited access is in place at the building for protection of department staff. Doors will remain unlocked to the lobby area only. Doors to jail visitation and administration offices will remain locked. Visitors can use an intercom in the common area to talk to a dispatcher.

Those needing accident or incident reports are encouraged to request them via phone. Copies can be emailed, faxed or mailed with a payment of $5 by check or money order.

Deputies and patrol division

Deputies have been encouraged to take standard health precautions while interacting with the public by maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others, when possible, taking more reports by phone and not allowing members of the public into their vehicle unless circumstances require it.

Concealed handgun licensing

Forms to apply for concealed carry firearm permits will soon be available online at webstercountyia.org by clicking on the “Sheriff” tab. There, you can print forms for applications, renewals or Permits to Acquire to mail to the Sheriff’s Office at 702 First Ave. S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Include a color copy of your photo identification, which must have your current address, a copy of your training and a local check or money order for necessary fees.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety will also allow the public to print out forms.